Medscape Education, a leader in continuing medical education, has announced the formation of the Innovations in Women’s Health Coalition (IWHC), furthering its dedication to addressing disparities in women’s healthcare. The coalition aims to advance comprehensive, patient-centered care for women across all life stages by bringing together experts from leading organizations, including the American Medical Association (AMA), March of Dimes (MoD), National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH), and the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR).
According to a McKinsey Health Institute report, while women tend to live longer than men, they spend 25% more time in poor health. This stark statistic underscores the need for focused efforts to close the gender gap in healthcare. Haleh Kadkhoda, MS, Founding Member and Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Division of Public Health for Medscape Education, emphasized the coalition’s mission, stating, “Despite significant progress made in medicine in recent years, there are still disparities in health care for women throughout the United States. Bringing together such esteemed, dedicated leaders in women’s health will allow us to make an impact through education and centralizing resources that are sorely needed. This Coalition supports our common goals and dedication to women’s health and brings together our combined capabilities to enact change.”
The coalition represents a significant step forward in improving healthcare outcomes for women. Heather L. Maurer, MA, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of NPWH, highlighted the importance of this collaborative effort: “The creation of the Innovations in Women’s Health Coalition marks a pivotal moment in advancing healthcare for women and individuals across the nation. By uniting leaders from diverse healthcare organizations such as the Society for Women’s Health Research, the American Medical Association, and the March of Dimes, NPWH joins them in a commitment to addressing the critical gaps in women’s health across an individual’s lifespan. At NPWH, we believe that comprehensive, patient-centered care throughout a woman’s life is essential. This Coalition will enhance education and resources and drive meaningful change in women’s health outcomes. We are proud to be a part of this transformative initiative.”
To support its mission, the coalition has launched a dedicated women’s health learning center on the Medscape Education platform. This online resource hub offers free, accredited education and resources for healthcare professionals specializing in women’s health. By providing these resources, the coalition aims to empower healthcare providers with the knowledge and tools necessary to deliver high-quality care to women at all stages of life.
The coalition’s efforts are part of a broader movement to address gender-specific health challenges and to close the gaps that have historically existed in women’s healthcare. The initiative reflects a growing recognition that women’s health requires specialized attention and a coordinated approach to care that is both holistic and inclusive.